2015 Honda VFR800X Crossrunner Review vs Triumph Tiger & Yamaha Tracer

Here is the plan: Find a fun adventure style motorcycle to replace my Honda CB500X. The VFR800X is a capable bike allround but there are some very strong competitions. Tirumph Tiger 800XRx and Yamaha MT-09 Tracer or FZ-09. Both bikes are cheaper than the Crossrunner and just as fun. I'm interested to know your thoughts on these bikes.
Triumph Tiger Test Ride & Review: • 2015 Triumph Tiger 800...
Yamaha Tracer Test Ride & Review: • 2015 Yamaha MT-09 Trac...
Link to the Hatfields Honda website: www.hatfieldshonda.co.uk/

[@HJM1974]

Thanks for the review. I have ordered a Crossrunner. I know it's more than the Tracer but i think it's an awesome package :)

[@SkyRider365]

+HJM1974 Congratulations buddy! It's a great all round package of course. Happy riding!

[@OperationFoxley19441]

This is 100% my next bike!!

[@andreikaportsev6684]

Hatfields of Crowthorne - I recognised the shop - it looked very familiar! They are a good and friendly bunch of people, letting you test ride everything they have, no questions asked. I tried a Crossrunner 2018 model with them a few months ago - a good comfy bike and very sharp front brakes too.

[@SkyRider365]

Good reliable bike but to me it's not that exciting. Maybe it's just me being picky.

[@andreikaportsev6684]

@@SkyRider365 I tried a few bikes in this category - the Crossrunner, a Tiger 800 XRX, Tracer 900 and the new BMW F850GS. The Tiger felt very similar to the Crossrunner. The Tracer was a lot more fun, but I found that I had to sit forward closer to the tank than I would normally do. I liked riding the BMW the most, but gosh it is ugly and costs a fortune!

[@avengine1]

I thought it was a comparison between the three bikes...anyway a good review!

[@SkyRider365]

Abhinav Vidyarthi Sorry buddy but let me know if you have any specific question regarding the 3 bikes. Tracer for me!

[@LenScapoff]

Informative review. It certainly has some nice touches (I particularly like the display) and there is no doubt of the build quality, but 44mpg for a bike in this class is not good enough these days. In fairness, to mitigate the price difference with the competition, they have thrown in the centre stand, akrapovic, satnav and top box for the list price in the UK. Thanks for sharing.

[@SkyRider365]

That's right the free upgrade does make it a better package and the akrapovic exhaust is a very good thing. I think I'm going to choose between the tracer and the tiger xrx for my next bike.

[@aussiecqrider9524]

Nice review. I am looking at these 3 bikes myself. Haven't test ridden any yet, so won't make a final decision until then. Crossrunner here in Australia doesn't get the extras and is about the same price as the Tracer. XRx is about AUD $3000 more expensive. Just about rules this one out unless I can justify the extra dollars.

[@SkyRider365]

That's a lot of money for sure but I do think the tiger is the most comfortable out of the three. It also has the lowest seat height at 810 mm. Fuel consumption wise the xrx is by far the most economical therefore longer range per tank. It's the only one comes with cruise control and superior wind protection. It sounds amazing too even with standard exhaust. I don't think you'll regret spending 3k extra but the other two are also great bikes. Not a easy choice I'm afraid.

[@ronyoung26]

Is there some problem with the sound on this review; very poor!

[@timhickey9898]

I have a CB500X also and I am interested to Know is the riding position similar to that of the VFR800X especially in terms of the footpegs.Would you say that the pegs on the VFR800X are higher than the CB500X or about the same.I have sat on the Yamaha tracer but I have not ridden it yet.For me the pegs were a little high.Prefer the position of my CB500X.Cheers mate

[@SkyRider365]

Hi Tim. The pegs are much higher than the CBX. I felt the same as Tracer or thereabouts. Upper half of the body felt just like the CBX. The only bike with similar leg room is the Tiger but then again the pegs are slightly forward on the Tiger.

[@timhickey9898]

Have you come any closer to a decision for a replacement for your Honda CB 500X.Cheers mate

[@SkyRider365]

Watch this space mate. A decision has been made and the new wheels are coming.

[@ObiGi]

Which one middle touring bike won in you comparition? Did you tested Honda NC750 as well?

[@madmax8889]

Hi Skyrider Great review as always. Soo badly wanted this bike to replace my NC750X (fed up with running out of revs lol) but Honda just didn't give a crap that I wanted to buy a new bike. After consideration of the tiger 1050, BMW GS1200 (way too expensive), Ducati Multistrader (again bloomin expensive but an awesome bike) KTM adventure (again a tad on the pricey side for a decent spec), Yamaha tracer (found uncomfortable but lovely bike) I ended up going for the Kawasaki Versys 1000 great power/spec to ££££ ratio. Have you test ridden the Versys 650? (Apologies if you have)

[@SkyRider365]

So have you got the Versys 1000 already? Nice smooth bike with loads of power ready to deliver a smile on your face. I've decided to part with my CB500x and a new bike arrives tomorrow. So excited.

[@madmax8889]

Yeah. I collect it on Saturday. What did you go for? The MT-09 Tracer?

[@SkyRider365]

Mark Morris Now I can confirm the Tracer is here! :)

[@madmax8889]

Nice :))) Enjoy. I get mine Saturday. Where abouts are you?

[@SkyRider365]

Mark Morris Commuting between Herts and Bucks. What about you?

[@hondavfr1537]

have you tested the heated grips, mine are awful

[@SkyRider365]

No I didn't as it was summer time. What's the issue with heated Honda grips?

[@hondavfr1537]

Essentially they have no heat, more like warm grips. Honda say this is design intent, but they are different to all other Honda grips for heat. On a cold ride this sunday, they are for all practical purposes, useless

[@nikos-giorgos]

Going into a roundabout with 30mph following the store's saleseman you don't really get a clue about the bike's handling now, do you?

[@terryjohn]

In a way ur right.following a other rider.U dont get to examine the bikes faults.

[@terryjohn]

i agree

[@kevinrhodes4832]

agreed, the sound quality is crap on this review

[@gloryths]

♥️♥️♥️Ktm 1050 ♥️♥️♥️

[@mariosavva999]

Unfortunately the cockpit looks like the interior of a Honda Jazz.

[@richardiriley3]

The Tracer is so much lighter than the others

[@SkyRider365]

+richardiriley3 they all have good points and not so good points but on balance the Tracer wins IMO.

[@tancakar8987]

I have a ducati multistrada 1200s Dvt model and it does 44 mpg. And it's 160 hp :( that honda shouldn't be that thirsty. By the way what kind of dealer would send a bike with the lose mirror to test ride. ? And common you are making a vlog at least take the bike better check the bike.

[@SkyRider365]

Perhaps it's because your multi is a V twin and this is a V4? Still, it's 400cc smaller than your bike so should get better fuel economy. Apart from the loose mirror the bike was quite nice to ride. Also I had never had an escort before for test rides.

[@bradhorne6552]

Can’t hear 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@tngchinghwa]

i think u need new mic

[@SkyRider365]

+Tony Tng On order mate. Should be here soon. Thanks for watching. Are you in Singapore?

[@tngchinghwa]

Sky Rider yes, how do u know?

[@SkyRider365]

Tony Tng Looked at your channel and the videos said Singapore.

[@gssr1]

I wanted to see your review, but your sound quality made that painful. Is it really that hard to edit and correct such problems. The inability to make a decent video, with sound discredits your ability to use sound reasoning in your opinions.

[@standandeliver8376]

I agree that the sound quality was crap but I didn't realise that good sound engineers had the most respected opinions on motorbikes. Personally, I found the review useful.

[@holdencaulfied7492]

He's doing a 'review' while riding around in traffic instead of a twisty road. Not a review.

[@MarjanSpasevski]

HONDA is HONDA ,way better then yamaha for me